High-speed chase after hold-up

DAVID HALLET

LED AWAY: A woman is handcuffed after a police chase ended in a crash in Ashburton.

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A 140kmh police chase of an allegedly armed Temuka bank robbery suspect ended in Ashburton when his car hit another vehicle, injuring an occupant.

A 21-year-old Pleasant Point man faces several charges after he allegedly stole an undisclosed sum at gunpoint from the Temuka branch of the ANZ Bank about 10.30am.

The man then allegedly stole a vehicle and police chased him at speeds of up to 140kmh, backing off when the driver stopped in the Hinds area, got out of the car and allegedly pointed a pistol at them. He later allegedly attempted to ram a police car north of the township.

Police called off the pursuit further north in Tinwald for safety reasons as the car was being driven erratically, said Senior Sergeant Grant Russell, of Ashburton.

Police said the driver lost control of his car after crossing the Ashburton River bridge, hitting a stationary car, which was shunted into another vehicle.

A man from one of the cars was extracted by police and taken to hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening.

Police said the suspect and his passenger fled in opposite directions, but both were caught with help from the public.

Inquiries over the passenger's involvement were continuing, police said.

Staff at the Temuka ANZ were told to go home for the rest of the day.

ANZ general manager Craig Bruce said he was pleased staff acted the way they had been trained to, and he was grateful no-one was harmed.

"We understand that these situations can be unsettling for staff and customers, and we act quickly to ensure they receive all the support and help they need."

He said counsellors had been at the Temuka branch.

Temuka shopkeepers, shoppers and residents were left shocked by the armed holdup.

Pharmacist Allan Campbell said he was worried about the impact the robbery would have on the community.

"It's getting too close to home when it happens in places like this," he said.

A resident, who did not want to be named, said she could not believe an armed robbery had occurred in the small town.

"Not in Temuka," she said.

- © Fairfax NZ News